How to Choose Cabinet Handles: Style, Size, Finish and Placement

Work through four decisions in order:

1. Style: knobs, bar pulls, D pulls, lip pulls or timber handles, chosen to suit your kitchen's look and how you use it.
2. Size: proportioned to each door and drawer, and measured by centre-to-centre distance.
3. Finish: coordinated with your tapware, sink and appliances.
4. Placement: consistent across the kitchen and comfortable to reach.

Choosing one handle family in several lengths keeps the kitchen consistent while letting you scale handles to different drawer widths. Many ranges come in multiple sizes for exactly this reason.

Each style changes both the look and the feel of your cabinetry.

• Cabinet knobs: a single-point grip that suits small doors, Shaker cabinetry and heritage kitchens. Knobs are less comfortable on heavy drawers, so many kitchens pair knobs on doors with pulls on drawers.
• Bar pulls: a straight handle on two posts, the most common modern choice. They suit almost any contemporary kitchen and give a firm grip on wide, heavy drawers.
• D pulls: a rounded D-shaped handle that is easy to grab, and suits both classic and contemporary styles.
• Lip pulls: a slim profile that fits on the top edge of a door or drawer, so the hardware almost disappears. They suit minimalist and Japandi kitchens, but give a shallower grip.
• Half-moon and cup handles: a curved profile with a traditional or mid-century feel, best suited to drawers.
• Timber handles: add warmth against painted or stone surfaces. Our Blackbutt timber handles use an Australian hardwood.

For design-led ranges in multiple finishes and sizes, browse our Momo handles.

As a starting point, choose a pull that is about one-third the width of the drawer or door front. On a 600 mm drawer, that points to a handle around 200 mm long. Treat this as a guide rather than a rule, and adjust for the look you want.

Cabinet handles are sized by their centre-to-centre measurement: the distance between the two screw holes, not the overall length. Common centre-to-centre sizes include 96 mm, 128 mm, 160 mm, 192 mm, 224 mm and 256 mm, with longer appliance pulls for pantry doors.

If you are replacing handles, measure the distance between the existing screw holes before you order. A 128 mm handle can't replace a 160 mm handle without drilling new holes, which can leave visible marks on painted, lacquered or veneered fronts. Also check the screw length suits your door thickness. Many handles come with screws for standard 16–18 mm cabinet boards.

Knobs are measured by diameter rather than centre-to-centre. A larger knob is easier to grip, which matters on heavier doors.

Place handles so they are consistent across the kitchen and comfortable to reach. Common placement conventions include:

• Drawers: centre the handle horizontally on the drawer front. Knobs and short pulls usually sit on the vertical centre line, while handles on shallow top drawers can sit slightly higher to keep a consistent line across a drawer stack.
• Base cabinet doors: place the handle on the side opposite the hinges, near the top corner, so you don't have to bend to reach it.
• Wall cabinet doors: place the handle on the side opposite the hinges, near the bottom corner, within easy reach.
• Pantry and tall doors: use a long vertical handle positioned around comfortable hand height, rather than at the door's exact centre.

Whatever positions you choose, keep them consistent. Align handles horizontally across a run of drawers and vertically across a row of doors. A cardboard template or masking-tape marks are an easy way to test positions before drilling.

Choose a handle finish that coordinates with your tapware, sink and appliances. It doesn't have to match exactly, but it should look intentional.

• Brushed brass and bronze: warm finishes that suit timber, white and green cabinetry.
• Black and gunmetal: strong contrast against light cabinetry, or a tonal look on dark joinery.
• Brushed nickel and chrome: cool, classic finishes that pair with stainless steel appliances and sinks.
• White: a subtle choice that blends into white or pale cabinetry.

To keep the finish looking its best, clean handles with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Harsh household cleaners are one of the main causes of finish damage, so avoid abrasive pads and strong chemical sprays.

When you have a style, size and finish in mind, browse our full range of cabinet handles, or shop the look below.